Signs and Symptoms of STDs

Understanding the symptoms of STDs and how they are transmitted is the first step to early treatment and prevention. Here is a quick guide to the most common symptoms of STDs and the specific diseases that may be causing them.

Symptoms

STD

Unusual discharge from vagina, penis or anus

Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichomoniasis, Yeast Infection

Bumps, blisters or warts on vagina, penis or anus

Herpes, HPV

Painless sores on mouth, vagina or penis

Syphilis

Yellow skin (jaundice), fatigue, abdominal pain

Viral Hepatitis

Pain or burning sensation during urination or sex

Trichomoniasis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes

Itching or burning around vagina, penis, or anus

Herpes, pubic lice (crabs), Trichomoniasis, yeast infection

Yellow-green discharge from vagina with strong odor

Trichomoniasis

Abdominal pain

HIV/AIDS, Herpes, Syphilis

Bleeding between periods

Chlamydia

Unexplained weight loss

HIV/AIDS

Please click on the links below to be directed to signs and symptoms for each: (The documents are in PDF format and will open in a new window. You will need the free Adobe Reader to view and print them.) While the above practices are not 100% certain, they are much safer than using no protection at all.

Make sure to call our office with any questions or concern you may have.

Many of these symptoms above can be caused by diseases and conditions that are not sexually transmitted. It is important that you discuss any symptoms with your doctor right away, so that he or she can determine the cause and begin treatment, if necessary.

You can reduce the risk of getting STD by practicing abstinence (not having sex), if you do have sex, limit your risk by practicing safer sex.

Use a latex condom every time you have sex, even oral sex. Some STDs, such as herpes, HPV, and syphilis can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact in areas that the condom does not cover.

Limit the numbers of people with whom you have sex and don’t go back and forth between partners.

Before you have sex with a new partner, asks if he or she has any unusual symptoms. Be open and honest about STDs with your partner. If either of you has an STD, both of you should be tested and treated, if necessary. Otherwise, you could repeatedly pass the infection back and forth to each other. Do not have sex until you are sure he or she had a negative STD testing.

WHILE THE ABOVE PRACTICES ARE NOT 100% CERTAIN, THEY ARE MUCH SAFER THAN USING NO PROTECTION AT ALL.

Talk to your doctor about your risk of getting an STD and ways to avoid it.